Arrival at Wuling

This is the first time I'm heading back to Wuling, since I signed up with Endfield.

Endmin, we just received a situation update.

The Intel Office sent an update on the Bonekrushers: they are moving towards Wuling. There's no doubt that Nefarith is involved.

Æther depth readings are changing throughout the entire world... Reports from other sites ... do not look very optimistic.

Come on, there's us, right?

Endmin, Supervisor Perlica! Your landing protocol is ready to go!

We've established the drop point inside Wuling City. You may set off anytime.

Understood. Well done, Fiona.

Endmin, I won't allow the Valley IV Incident to happen again in Wuling.

Indeed. Additionally, our partnership with the Wuling leadership is crucial to our cause.

But this also means ... we're short on people...

M3 said that powerful individuals or minds are behind these incidents. She must focus on activities in the north.

I will be syncing additional details to your terminals.

The liaison of our operation is the current leader of Wuling—

Zhuang Fangyi, one of the Tianshi of Great Yan.

Hoo... Captain told us ... hoo ... you need water ... to get the gate open? I got some. Here. Take as much as you need.

Don't spill it. Everyone's counting on you!

Your backpack looks stuffed. It might not carry all the water here.

Oh! That's more than enough! Thanks a mill!

I've only stayed at Wuling for a year or so, but it's the prettiest city I've ever seen.

It's a form of Blight. Wuling is built next to lakes and rivers. So, the local Blight tends to be associated with water, and will look a little different from the Blight we see in Valley IV.

And since Wuling is close to rivers, the regular tides also intensify Blight activity in the city. But it's no big deal to the locals. They're used to it.

I saw her from afar a couple of times when I was assigned to Wuling for my training...

The only thing I know about her is that she's the youngest Viceroy in charge of an HAS developmental district.

As for other things... They're mostly gossip and hearsay.

People say she never sleeps. If she gets angry, the skies will darken with booming thunderclouds. Some even claim that she's a secret chief leading the Tianshi Bureau of Great Yan...

I, uh... I was only there for around a year! I've actually been an Endfielder for longer than that!

And it was a while ago. There's really nothing much to say.

I can't stand the thought of this peachy sanctuary getting attacked... Endmin, we gotta hurry.

Her students really worship her. That's why the stories keep getting crazier.

Let's not dally, then. Time to move out.

It seems this trail has not been used for some time.

Mr. Ardashir, we might need to rest here for a while.

Of course. I apologize for intruding, and I truly appreciate your assistance.

I pray that I have not inconvenienced anyone...

Yet this seems to be the only path. So my dear friends, perhaps we shall have the opportunity to meet again.

I've never seen a bamboo forest with such verdance and lushness.

Nothing... This is my first time listening to a rustling in such clarity. The sound of wind brushing itself against a grove.

He looks friendly, but I just feel there's something weird about him.

I queried the name "Ardashir" in the database...

The only hits are figures of Sargonian history, and other common employees registered at Seš'qa and the UWST. None of them matched his age, though.

...Well, I didn't sense any hostility from him.

Chen, how long would it take us to reach Wuling City?

Won't be long. Once we get through this place, I'll know the rest like the back of my hand.

But this really is the only path. We will run into that young man eventually.

Indeed... Our primary objective is to reach Wuling City ASAP. Time to move, team.

Oh my. Feeling this nice, moist air tells me I'm back at home.

Endmin ... our signals ... interference... We're trying...

Radio is still intermittent.

We've been walking for fifteen minutes ... but we have yet to reach the end of this area.

We can't get in touch with Fiona or Viceroy Zhuang at the moment. Let's keep moving for now.

But this place is a little too quiet. I prefer things lively and noisy.

Weird. The Blight Tide shouldn't have risen yet. Why would our radio comms get interrupted...?

Heheh. I'm quite familiar with Wuling. I *did* live in the city for a while, you know.

I've read plenty of investigative reports about Wuling, but they pale against the actual place.

Yes, but ... we're experiencing an unstable SOW system here.

Its navigation function is out. Chen, do you know the way?

Hmm... To help traveling peddlers, messengers, and tourists, Wuling City has deployed a number of powered rafts nearby. We just need to find these rafts to get our road markers.

Time to roll! Let's follow this trail and look around.

Landing coordinates deviation seems larger than I thought. We may have landed outside the expected zone...

Of course! The grassy fragrance, the rippling of creeks. You can't take in their beauty just by looking. You gotta experience it with every sense!

Once again I find myself in a similar scene as before. I seem to be lost...

And it gladdens me so. I knew you would not abandon me.

Ah! My prayers have been answered... I knew you would eventually catch up to me.

Perhaps I was not seeing things. The bamboo trees can actually move... Is it some kind of Arts?

The grove is thinning out. The exit must be near.

Great! We can finally leave this place!

This took longer than expected. We must meet up with Viceroy Zhuang quickly.

"Endmin"... Sounds like a position in an office. Their trust for you is more than obvious.

Before we go our separate ways, I do have a question to ask...

"Endmin".

Might we share a few more words? You have been rather quiet and taciturn throughout our journey.

That is how the other two addressed you. They were not trying to hide anything.

As of now...

Hmm?

...do you approve of your endeavor?

Of course I do.

...The sky is heavy with rainclouds. This weather is most fickle...

Endmin! Over here! I found the road to Wuling City!

I'll take my leave.

Mmhmm.

...You truly have forgotten everything.

Then it is inevitable. You will not forgive us.